Before the game, first responders from Saginaw and EMS ISD were recognized in front of a standing ovation for all they do to keep our community safe. An Air Evac Lifeteam helicopter landed at the 50-yard line to the roar of the crowd to deliver the official game ball to Saginaw Head Football Coach Mike Peters.
Both teams traded possessions to start, but the Pioneer offense got going on the second drive of the game.
Renfro found Ty Dauer, who used his speed to get behind the defense for a 71-yard catch and run down the sideline. Penalties stalled the drive, and the field goal was blocked and returned for a touchdown to put Boswell in an early 7-0 hole.
“We have a lot of seniors on our team, but not a lot of kids that have played on Friday,” Head Coach Wes Weaver said. “We were feeling our way in the beginning, and once the blocked kick happened, we were able to refocus, settle in and start to do some good things.”
The Pioneers responded with an 11-play scoring drive, capped off with a six-yard touchdown run by Dixon to tie the game at 7-7.
The Boswell defense forced five turnovers on the evening. Brandon Seevers forced a fumble on the very next drive, setting up the second touchdown run by Dixon and a 14-7 lead.
The Pioneers kept the momentum offensively, after the defense forced a turnover on downs, Renfro drove Boswell down and found Dauer for a 53-yard score. The Pioneers would score on five of the next six possessions after Renfro took it him himself from 18-yards away and just before the half Dixon scored his third touchdown of the evening; a 29-yard catch and Boswell went into the locker room up 34-17.
In the second half, J.J. Grant had an interception that set up a touchdown pass from Renfro to Kairel Robertson and the Pioneer defense was stifling forcing turnovers leading to points offensively en route to the victory.
“Saginaw hit some big plays on our defense, and had several trick plays that caught us,” he said. “They are a much-improved team, and Coach {Mike} Peters has done a great job with those guys.”
The victory marked the first career victory for Coach Weaver as the Pioneer head coach.
“It feels great to get the first victory out of the way,” he said with a laugh. “I really wanted to get that win for our guys.”
Leading the way for the Pioneers offensively was Renfro who threw for 392 -yards and had six total touchdowns (four in the air, two on the ground). Dixon rushed for 166-yards and had three total touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving). Robertson, Dauer, and Dede Lords also had receiving touchdowns.
Defensively, Seevers recovered two fumbles; and Grant, Aaron Riley and Jaylen White all had interceptions.
Next up, for Boswell is a trip to Mansfield Lake Ridge. Boswell beat Lake Ridge 41-20 a season ago.
“Mansfield Lake Ridge is fast, and athletic,” he said. “We’ll come up with a plan and hit the ground running to prepare for them.”
Kick-off from Vernon Newsom Stadium in Mansfield is set for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 31.
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